Chapter 555:

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Dayna gently touched the boy’s body. He was so thin, yet his frame felt unnaturally soft, as if he had no bones at all. His condition was painfully clear: bones so fragile they offered no support, leaving him unable to run, jump, or play like other children.

Even the smallest surge of excitement could send him spiraling toward a fainting spell—or worse, leave him hovering at the edge of death.

Once Dayna settled the boy gently onto the sofa, her chest tightened at the hopeful smile lingering on his face. So much of his childhood had been stolen by illness, plunging his world into relentless shadow, yet somehow, he had found the strength to endure.

Nell turned away, swiping a tear from her cheek before anyone could notice. Pulling herself together, she forced her tone light. “You know, we never even asked—what should we call you? Do you remember your parents’ names?”

The boy’s fingers toyed nervously with the hem of his shirt. He glanced up, his voice quiet. “I’m Henry. I live with my dad, and my mom is someone I’ve never met.”

Nell offered him an encouraging nod. “What about your dad? Do you remember his name?” She kept her voice gentle, coaxing without pressure. “Don’t worry. Once you’re well, we’ll make sure you get back to him.”

𝗥e𝖼оm𝘮𝗲n𝘥 𝗀𝖺𝗹𝘯o𝘷е𝗹𝘀.c𝘰𝗆 𝘵𝗼 уо𝗎r 𝗳𝗿𝗂𝘦𝘯𝘥𝗌

Henry’s voice dropped to almost a whisper. “I don’t remember much about him. He’s always working, so most of the time, it’s just me and the doctors and nurses at the hospital.” His small hands twisted together, tugging at his sleeve. “I don’t even know why I’m here. The last thing I remember is the doctors giving me an injection… When I woke up, I was already here.”

Dayna and Nell exchanged a silent look, their eyes heavy with shared pity. This child’s world had been nothing but sterile hospital corridors and the endless cycle of medical routines.

Henry suddenly jerked his head up, his reddened eyes brimming with hurt. “Did my dad leave me behind? Does he not care for me anymore? The doctors always said my illness was incurable, that kids like me were just burdens, not worth anyone’s effort. If Dad really left me, I couldn’t blame him—it was just rotten luck to be born with a body like mine.”

Though his words quivered with barely suppressed tears, he still tried to put on a brave front. “It’s my fault. If I weren’t sick, things would be different.”

His eyes shone wet and red, but there was a quiet, almost adult rationality in him that made Dayna and Nell ache for him.

Dayna moved closer, wrapping an arm gently around his thin shoulders. “Your dad never gave up. As soon as you’re healthy, he’ll come back for you. I promise.”

Henry’s lips trembled as he glanced up, his voice barely above a whisper. “Do you mean it?”

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